A DAY of pampering proved just the tonic for Grangetown couple Jeff and Leanne Kidd.

The pair were whisked away in a chauffeur driven limo, treated to a massage, new hair dos, make-up for Leanne and a slap-up meal and flowers.

It proved a far cry from the pair’s usual day, which involves caring for their five-year-old daughter, Nicole.

The Kilton Thorpe School pupil has cerebral palsy and special complex needs, meaning she requires constant care.

“Leanne does the days and I do the nights,” said dad Jeff, 37. “It doesn’t leave us a lot of time to spend together.”

The pair are more used to looking after others than being spoiled themselves.

Zoe’s Place put them forward for the pamper day, courtesy of Empathy Hairdressing salon, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough. Other local businesses also helped to make the day extra special.

It has been a hard 18 months for the family who lost their youngest daughter, Leona, following breathing problems, in August 2008, aged just 17 weeks.

She was born with skeletal dysplasia - an abnormality in the development, shape and structure of the skeleton.

“According to the hospital genetics department we are just unlucky,” said Leanne, 26.

But the couple have pulled together through the hard times, and Nicole gives them strength.

“I wouldn’t change her for the world. We love her to bits. She has got her own personality and we know exactly what she likes and doesn’t like. She has really come on,” said Leanne.

“Even the doctors are gobsmacked at what she is capable of doing,” added Jeff. “She might not be able to speak but she shows what she means through her emotions.”

Nicole visits Zoe’s Place every two to three weeks. “It means she gets the best of both worlds,” said Jeff.

It also offers mum and dad much-needed respite, though time for pampering is virtually unknown. Leanne said: “I have never had this kind of experience before.”

“It makes you feel so relaxed, it has been amazing,” added Jeff.

Empathy Hairdressing manager Craig Nevitt explained: “We wanted to give something back so we contacted Zoe’s Place and they put Leanne and Jeff forward for a pamper day.

“It has been great to be able to put a smile back on their faces. It has been a fantastic day and we have all enjoyed it.”

The limousine was provided by Limo World, massages and beauty treatments from Miss Independent, make-up by Nico Sparkles, a meal courtesy of The Manor House at Maltby, near Ingleby Barwick, and flowers came from the Flowerhouse.